Automobile and trailer brake control mechanism



, Jan. 23,1940. R. E. sex 7 2,133,200

AUTOMOBILE AND TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL MECHANISM Filed Nov; 25; 19:58 i 2 Sheds-Shes; 1

Jan

7E7 Tfa/kr' Brakes IINVENTOR Fay/world Z I BY m 1 %TTO;NEY..

' R. E. COX

Jan. 23, 194o.

Filed Nov. 25, 1938 AUTOMOBILE AND TRAILER BRAKE GONTRO L MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheei 2 Patented Jan. 23, 1940 AUTOMOBILE AND TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL MECHANISM Raymond E. Cox, Oakland, Calif., assignor oi one-fourth to Otto C. Elmstedt and one-fourth to Walter N. Basham, both of Oakland, Calif.

Application November 25, 1938, Serial No. 242,322

15 Claims.

The invention relates to a brake control system of the type disclosed in my Patent Number 2,128,916, andbeing generally characterized as an automatic brake control mechanism which is so embodied inconjunction with the steering wheel of an automobile as to automatically cause a settingof the brakes of the automobile upon release of the steering wheel by the driverduring operation of the automobile, whereby the vehicle will be promptly brought to a safe stop in the event that the driver falls asleep or otherwise lapses into unconsciousness.

As is understood one of the principal contributing causes of automobile accidents particularly involving trucks, buses, and the like, engaged in relatively long hauls oi freight or passengers, has been attributed to the driver falling asleep at the wheel of the vehicle and thereby losing control of the vehicles movement. Such 30 a dangerous condition is also rendered more likely in travel during the colder periods of the year when'the driver tends to close in his compartment to retain warmth and in so doing may eifect a sufficient depletion of oxygen in the compart- 55 ment and an increase of carbon monoxide to induce drowsiness.

The problem of providing an automatic brake control system of the character above described is substantially different and more'diflicult in the m case of a multi-type vehicle, that is, one including a propelling vehicle and a trailing vehicle, such as a truck and trailer, or the like, than where such system is applied to a single automotive unit. In the case of a multi-type unit a proper w and coordinated application of the brake must be effected in order to provide a smooth and prompt stopping of the two vehicles and to prevent the'placing of undue stress on the coupling or tie means between the vehicle and to prevent a misalignment of the vehicle, etc. commonly known as jack-knifing. In order to accomplish the proper'braking of a vehicle unit of the. character described, each of the vehicles, that is, the propelling vehicle and .the trailing vehicle,

is provided with a separate brake mechanism and separate and independentmanual controls for. the two brake mechanisms are mounted in the driver's compartment of the propelling vehicle. In this manner the driver may actuate the two 0 separate controls to apply the braking force first to the trailing vehicle prior to the application of the braking force to the propelling vehicle and thereafter continue to apply at least as great a force to the trailing vehicle than to the propell- 5 ing vehicle so that at no time will the trailing vehicle tend to push forward into the propelling vehicle.

In accordance with the present invention and as a principal object thereof, I have provided for an automatic brake control system for an auto- 5 mobile and trailer unit wherein the brakes of both of said units will be actuated automatically upon the driver releasing his grip on the steering wheel, and which will further provide for the proper energization of the brakes on each unit both as to time and amounts so that the multitype vehicle will be brought to a smooth but speedy stop upon the driver of the vehicle lapsing' into unconsciousness.

Another object of the invention is toprovide a 'brake control system of the character described which is particularly adapted'for pneumatic operation using either compressed .air or other operating fluids or a vacuum source. r 7

Another object of the inventionis to provide a brake control system of the character described to which while affording a proper and necessary delay in the application of the brakes tp the propelling vehicle will at the same time upon regripping of the steering wheel, or other operations provided for releasing the brakes, provide a substantially immediate release of the brakes". of the propelling vehicle, and in so doing will release the brakes of the propelling vehicle prior to the release of the brakes: of the trailing vehicle. f

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description of thepreferred form of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the specification. It is to be "understood, however, that variations in the showing made by the said drawings and descriptions may be adopted within the scope of'the invention as set forth in the claims.

Referring to said drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an automobile and trailer brake control mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention, the several parts of the mechanism being broken away and shown in section to illustrate their operation.

Figure 2 is a'diagrammatic representation similar to Figure 1 but showing a modified control mechanism.

The brake control system of the present invention is as aforementioned especially adapted for use with a combination propelling vehicle and a trailing vehicle and consists briefly in independ- 55 an and normally separately operated brake mechanisms for each of the vehicles-and means operated automatically upon release of grip of the steering wheel for energizing said brake mechanisms and providing for the application of the trailer brakes prior to the application of the propelling vehiclebrakes. V

The control system, as illustrated in Figure 1 ofthe'drawings, is arranged for pneumatic pressure operations and includes as part thereof a reservoir 6 charged with compressed air or other fluid by way of inlet conduit 4 and check valve 5 the chamber 31. The upper end'48'of the stem.

'by conduit 9 to 'ter is normally opened and closed and regulated therein for maintaining the pressure in the reservoir. The reservoir is connected by discharge conduit 1 to a multiple outlet fitting 8 and thence a foot control valve The latas to quantity of air flow by displacement of an operating lever |2 which is connected by link |3 to a. foot pedal |4.-normally positioned in the driver's compartment of the propelling vehicle. Air under pressure passes from the valve II by way of conduit |6 to the air brake chambers of the brake mechanism of the propelling unit. These air brake chambers are well known in the art and therefore not here shown.

The foot control valve as illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a casing 22 having inlet and discharge passages 23 and 24, to which the conduits 9 and I6 are connected. Passage 23 opens into the top of a valve chamber 26 and is communicated through the top wall of the chamber by way of opening 21 with an enlarged pressure chamber 28 with which the passage 24 registers. A reciprocal type of valve 29 mounted in the chamber 26 controls the flow of fluid from. passage 23 into chamber 28 and, as here shown, normally engages with a valve seat 3| surroundingthe opening 21 at the under side of the top wall of the chamberby means of a helical spring 32, compressed between the under side of the valve and the base of thecharnber. The valve is provided with a stem 33 which extends upwardly through the opening 2'l into engagement with the under side of a swivel plate 34, which is fulcrumed adjacent the center thereof to the under side of a pressure responsive diaphragm 36 mounted across the chamber 28 adjacent the top thereof. Means are provided for venting the chamber 28 and the discharge conduit l6 to the atmosphere upon closing of valve29 and, as here shown, such means consists of a second valve chamber 31 communicated with chamber 28 by mean of opening 38 and communicated with the atmosphere by way of a port 4|. A valve 42 in chamber 28 is arrangedto engage valve seat 43 provided" about the opening 39 at the base of chamber 28 and is normally held out of engagement with such seat by means of a helicalspring 44 compressed between-the springseat 46 provided on a stem 41 of the valve and the base of 41 is arranged to; engage the under side of the swivel 'plate 34 at the opposite side of its fulcrum from the valve stem 33. In order toprovide for 1 a seating of valve 42 prior to an opening 'of valve 3|;so that chamber 28 will be shut off from the atmosphere upon application of pressure therein, spring 44 is constructed somewhat lighter than 'spring 32, so that depression of the swivel plate 34 at its. fulcrum point will cause a rocking of the plate to close valve 42 before depression and opening of valve 3|, It will also be noted that after valve 3| has been opened, the pressure in chamber 28 will assist in maintaining the valve 42 seated. Displacement of the plate 34 to so actuate the areaboo valve is here efiected by means of the manually controlled lever I2 which is pivoted to the casing end on a spring rest 54, fulcrumed on a supporting plate 56 on the diaphragm 36. The lever I2 is normally held to release any downward force on the stem 5| by a helical spring 51 mounted against the actuating end of the lever and the body of thecasing. From the foregoing, it will be clear that upon release of lever |2 to return the swivel plate 34 to normal position, as illustrated in Figure 1, the valve3| will first close due to the greater force of spring 32 and after closing of valve 3| and further retraction of plate 34, spring 44 will cause an upward movement of valve 42 so as to vent chamber 28 and brake line l6 to the atmosphere.

The trailer brake mechanism is operated by means of a hand valve 6| which is preferably mounted within the driver's compartment of the propelling vehicle and which receives compressed air by way of conduit 62 which connects an air inlet port 63 of the valveto the multiple outlet fitting 8. The valve 6| here shown is of arotary type including an outer valve casing 64 and an interior rotor 66 having a pair of circumferentially spaced side ports 61 and 68 which are arranged in a normal off position of' the valve to communicate a discharge passage 69 in the casing by way of port 68 to an exhaust passage" in the casing. Upon rotation of the rotor in a counter.- clockwise direction, as here shown, the port 68 is rotated away from registration with passage 63 and port 6'1 is rotated into communication with discharge passage 69 and the air inlet passage 63. The passage 69, as will be understood, is adapted for connection to the air brake chambers of the trailer vehicle, not shown, and such connection is here efiected by conduit 12 connected to the valve outlet passage '69. Means for displacing the rotor into an operative position charging the trailer brake chambers with compressed air, or to an inoperative position, exhausting such brake chambers to the atmosphere, or to an intermediate position placing a portion 13 of the rotor across the passage 69 to hold the air compressed into the brake chambers, consists of an arm I4 which is fastened to and extends radially from the rotor.

In accordance with the foregoing, it will be clear that the operator of the propelling vehicle may by manual actuation of foot pedal l4 and arm 14 bring the propelling vehicle and the trailing vehicle to a stop. Ordinarily in so using the manual control, the operator will first displace arm 14 to set the brake of the trailing unit prior.

to the setting of the brakes of the propelling unit and will in the operation of thesetwo controls maintain as great orgreater braking force on the trailer than on the propelling unit. 7

In accordance with the present invention and as hereinabove pointed out, I provide a single automatic control means forthe propelling vehicle brake valve I and the trailing vehicle brake valve- 6| which automatically actuates these control valves to set the brakes of the two vehicles upon 7 the driver of the propelling vehicle releasing his grip of the steering wheel, and which is further operative to automatically apply the brakes of the trailing vehicle prior to the application of the brakes of the propelling vehicle, in accordance with the manual operation above described. The automatic control system is also preferably operated by pneumatic pressure and here includes in brief an electric operating valve 16, a pneumatic operating cylinder 11 which is operatively connectedto the arm 14 of the trailer brake valve 6 I and a pneumatic diaphragm actuator 18, which is appropriately connected to the operating lever I2 of the control valve I I of the propelling vehicle brake mechanism. "Preferably a suitable reducing valve 19 is incorporatedin the fluid circuit of the automatic control system for decreasing the full pneumatic pressure in the reservoir 6 for application in the control circuit. The electric operating valve 16 which controls the application of fluid to the actuators 11 and 18 is in turn controlled by anelectric circuit operated from the steering wheel 8I of the propelling vehicle so that upon release of the operators grip of the steering wheel, the valve 18 will be automaticallyoperated to apply fluid to the actuators 11 and 18 to in turn apply the brakes of the two vehicles.

The fluid circuit of the automatic control mechanism, as here illustrated, includes conduit 82 connected between the fluid pressure outlet fitting 8 of the reservoir 6 and reduction valve 19, conduit 83 connected between the reducing valve 19 and the electric valve 16, conduit 84 connected between the electric valve 16 and the cylinder actuator 11, conduit 86 connected between actuating cylinder 11 and a flow retarder 81, and conduit 88 connected between the latter and the pneumatic diaphragm actuator 18.

The reducing valve, as here illustrated in Figure 1, comprises a valve casing 96 having an inlet passage 81 to which conduit 82 is connected and a discharge passage 98 to which conduit 83 is connected. Inlet passage 81 opens into a valve chamber 88 which is provided at an opposite end with a valve seat IM and a passage I82 opening into a chamber I83 to which the discharge passage 88 is connected. Mounted in the chamber 99 for movement to and from the seat I8I .is a valve. I84 having a stem passage I82 and secured to a diaphragm I81 mounted across the base of the chamber I83. The valve is normally held in partially open position by means of a spring I88 compressed between a supporting plate I89 at the diaphragm and a spring seat I I I on the inner end of a screw II2 threaded through the casing on the top of the chamber I83. The purpose of the above ar-' rangement is to open and close the valve I84 in accordance with any fluctuations in the pressure in the intake passage tially constant and reduced output pressure after the passage 88. An increase of pressure in the valve chamber 89 will cause a lifting of the diaphragm I81 anda raising of the valve I84 towards the seat IIII to decrease the passage area and reduce the pressure to a predetermined value. Conversely, upon a decrease of pressure in the chamber 99, the spring I88 will press the diaphragm downward and will cause a further opening of the valve I84. The reduced output pressure may be controlled by adjustment of the screw 7 H2 so as to increase or The electric operating valve 16 is here shown I of a magnetic solenoid type comprising a casing i II3 having an intake passage 1 I4, to which the conduit 83 is connected and a discharge passage II6 to which the conduit 84 is connected. Passage II4 opens into a valve chamber II1, which is provided at its upper end with a valve seat I I8 and an opening I IStherethrough into a discharge chamber I2I, to which the passage H6 is connected. Mounted in the chamber H1 is a valve gized coil to close on I86 passing through the.

91 to produce a substanp a 3 I22 which normally is held by means of a spring I23 against the valve seat H8 and is provided with a stem I24 which extends through opening IIS and discharge chamber I2I and through an opening I26 above the discharge chamber connecting the latter with a chamber I21 vented to the atmosphere by port I28. The stem I24 is connected at its upper end to a magnetic plunger I29, whose movement is controlled by magnetic flux established by an electric coil I3I wound around the plunger. The base of the chamber I21 is formed with a valve seat I31 surrounding the opening I26 and the lower end I33 of the plunger; is faced for engagement with the said seat upon actuation of the plunger by the enernication ofdischarge chamber I2I with the atmosphere. The lowering of the plunger and the valve I22 communicates the intake and discharge passages H4 and M6 for passage of fluid through the valve. On de-energizing of the coil I3I the plunger and valve I22 are returned to their former passage I26 and commu position, as illustrated in Figure 1, and the pressure in the discharge line 84 is relieved through the atmospheric port I28.

The pneumatic operating cylinder 11, as here 11 illustrated, comprises an outer cylindrical casing I34 having an air inlet passage I36 in one end wall I31 thereof and which passage is arranged for connection to the conduit 84. Mounted for reciprocation within the cylinder is a piston I38 to which is attached a connecting rod I39 which extends axially through a bearing portion MI in an opposite end wall I42 of the casing. Air under pressure entering the passage I36 forces the piston I38 longitudinally towards the end I42 and doing forces the air in the cylinder between end I42 out of the cylinder in so the piston I38 and p by way of an air passage connecting rod I39 is provided with a valve member I44 oi compressible material which is adapted to seat against a valve seat I46 provided on the interior side of bearing I4I so that in the displaced position of the piston, the valve I44 will seal off passage I43 and prevent any leakage of compressed fluid by the piston I38 and to the atmosphere. The outer end I41 of the connecting rod I39 is pivoted to one end of a clevis I48 which is pivotally and slidably connected to the operating arm 14 of valve 6I' by means of'a pin I49 carried by the rod and engaging in an elongated slot I5I in the clevis. longitudinal movement of piston I38 will be accompanied by a rotative movement of arm 14 to energize the trailer brakes almost immediately after start of movement of piston I38 from its normal position indicated in Figure l; Preferably, in order to prevent release of the trailer brakes after the same have been set by the automatic control circuit and to enable such release only by a manual movement of valve arm 14, I do not provide any means for returning the piston I38 to its normal position after actuation thereof and after deenergizing of the magnetic valve and a venting of conduit 84 to the atmosphere. Thus after once actuated, the piston I38 will remain at the end I42 of the cylinder and the valve 6| will remain in position charging the trailer brakes with compressed fluid until there is a purposeful 1 I43 provided in the bearing portion..I4I of the casing. Preferably the In this manner the manual return of the valve arm 14 by one in control of the propelling vehicle.

In order to insure the application of the trailer the propelling 86 which brakes prior to the application of vehicle brakes, I connect the. conduit ator 18 for the propelling vehicle brake valve II,

I to the cylinder 11 in such a manner that fluid under pressure will not enter the conduit 86 until after the piston I38 has been displaced at least a portion of its distance in the cylinder. This is effected in the present embodiment by connecting the conduit 86 to a side port I52 in the cylinder wall intermediate to the ends I31 and I42 of the cylinder so that compressed fluid will not enter the conduit until after piston I 38 has been displaced longitudinally to uncover the passage I52. Also, and as above indicated, I also incorporate in the fluid line to the actuator 18 a flow retarder 81 so that the operation of theactuator 18 will be somewhat delayed. The retarder device here illustrated comprisesa casing I53 providing an interior cylinder in which is mounted a reciprocating piston valve I54 adapted for movement between the opposite ends I56 and I51 of the casing. The piston valve I54 is provided with a reduced axial bore I58 therethrough which is somewhat smaller than the passages provided by conduit 86 and 88 so as to restrict the fluid flow from the cylinder 11 to the actuator". The device is, however, constructed to provide a rapid and unrestricted fluid flow in a reverse direction. This is effected by providing the valve I54 with a plurality of longitudinal grooves I59 in the periphery thereof, which connect with radial grooves I6 I, (see Figure 1), at one end of the valve which engages with an end I56 of the casing. In this manner when the fluid flow is from the cylinder 11 to the actuator 18, the fluid flow presses the valve I54 to end I51 of the casing so that the only passage through the valve is the axial passage I58. On the other hand when the fluid flow is from th actuator 18 to the cylinder 11, the fluid flow presses the valve I54 against the end I56 of the casing and in this case the fluid may pass not only through the axial bore I 58 but also through the longitudinal grooves I59 and the radial grooves I6I.

The diaphragm actuator 18 may be of more or less standard form such as here shown comprising a casing I62 providing an interior chamber I63, which is divided by a diaphragm I64. Fluid pressure is communicated into the chamber at one side of the diaphragm through passage I66 to which the conduit 88 is connected. A push. rod I61 is connected by means of a pair of reenforcing plates I68 to the diaphragm and extends out through one side I69 of the casing for connection to the operating lever I2 of the brake valve II. This connection is here effected by means of a clevis I1I which is pivoted to the outer end I12 of the push rod and to the lever I2, in the latter instance by means of a pin I 13 on the lever which slidably engages in a longitudinal slot I14 in the 'cle'vis. v In this manner a displacement of the diaphragm and the push rod from left to right, as viewed in Figure 1, will cause a displacement of the operating lever I2 of the valve in the same manner as a depression of the foot pedal I4. After automatic operation of the brake mechanism and a re-gripping of the steering wheel by the operator, the applying pressure in the fluid control circuit is released at the magnetic valve as afore-described, and the compressed air in the chamber I63 of the diaphragm actuator 18 may then flow back through conduit 88 and 86 to the cylinder 11 where, as aforementioned, the piston I38. remains at the end of its throat; thereby allowing the 'air or other fluid in conduit 86 to be released through the cylinder and through conbe engaged by the operators foot.

duit 84 to the exhaust port in the magnetic valve. In order to limit and to adjust the amount 01 throw of lever I2 by the actuator 18, I provide an adjustable stop means on the push rod I61 and the casing I62 which here includes a bracket I16 secured to side I69 of the casing and which is mounted in the path of a nut I11 threaded on the push rod between the bracket and the side I69.

The electric control circuit of the present system may be identical with that shown in my Patent Number 2,128,916 and here includes a steering wheel 8I which is provided with an electric switch contact member I88 which may be formed as a plurality of radial segments as described in my said patent so that upon gripping of the steering wheel the electric circuit at the wheel will be open and upon release of grip oi. the steering wheel the electric circuit will be closed through the steering.

is advantageous in causing the present control circuit to go into operation automatically upon operation of the engine and to go out of operation when the vehicle is not in use.

The switch I98 is normally held in closed position andis used in the circuit only to. enable the operator to purposefully prevent the operation of the brake control system when he releases his grip on the steering wheel. The switch I93 may be conveniently mounted in the drivers compartment for operation by the latters foot and should be placed in a somewhat out-of-theway position so that the same would not normally The switch here shown comprises a casing I94 which carries a reciprocating plunger I96 normally held by a spring' I91 within the casing in a position engaging a contact bar I98 carried thereby with the stationary contact I99. The switch may be opened by pressing the plunger I96 into the casing I94 to disengage contact bar I98 with contact I 99.

In Figure 2 I have illustrated a modified form of the invention wherein the automatic brake.

or the like, by way of a conduit 282 in which is I included a check valve 283 for maintaining the reduced pressure in the reservoir 28 I. The-reservoir is connected by conduit 284 to a distributing fitting 286 and a conduit 281 is connected to the fitting for connection to a manual foot control ber 234 connected to a 242 of the valve 0 handle 223, is. provided on ,the;,ro tor embodiment similar to ans-w riphery thereof which in a rotated positionoithe rotor is adapted to communicate passages 2l'3 and 2H for energizing. the actuator 218. A second peripheral port 222 is provided in the rotor which in the normal positionofrthegsanie' com;- 1

Y and, 2163 whichgreleases a municates passages 2l3 a the applying pressure in the actuatorJl-il; A

the samebetween the rotatedjpositions mentioned.

c 'An: electric circuit ,is used ithe same; as a the -i fer moving "is connected directly to the brake mechanism for first embodiment "and including a battery :24, an

thereon matic control 'fluid circuit to,the vacuum reservoir and to the atmosphere. The

prises a casing 233 having an interior valve cham-- spaced air, inlet 0 chamber 236 by means of'g'a passage 231. A conduit 238- oonnects thechainber 234 to-the fitting 206 and this chamber ,is normally sealed off .irom chamber 236 by meansof a valve 235 which is held in sealed relation across passage" helical spring 238 and thepressure diflerential normally. existing vbetween" chambers 234 and 1 provided with an 239 which-whenenergized displaces a magnetic plunger 24!" against a stem v for opening the {passage 231;

Chamber 236 isl connected by condu'it 243 to "'a rit- ,236. The valve'rnechanism is electric magnetic coil ting 244 and thence by conduit-246 to a' vacuum cylinder actuator 249, having a connecting rod ly from one end 250'of.jthe casing. The rod 251 is connected by means of aclevis 252 'to the arm 22:; of the valve use provided between the cle'vi's'i and the arm to provide for therotation of-the-armbvthe clevis in one direction only and thatto rotate the rotor a ruse, 221, a steering wheel s I 228;. and a "manual" 229. 1 V En'ergizedaby this electrical circuit are twoielectro magnetic' valves 23l and 232 for respectively. communicating the autos 231 'by means or a 241. The latter comprises" a cylindrical casing248 providing an internal cyla inder in which is mounted a reciprocating piston 251' extending a rialsuitable slip' -joint' being 'valve 23I comby means of a passage 214. .-A 'valve of the valve from ,the' "normal'positionshown to a position energizingthe wall 250 of the casing248 with an air inlet passage253; which'yenables air toenter the cylinder-"t displace the piston as the same "is drawn tow rds the opposite end 254 by the reduced pressure,""and thispassage; closed {at the "end of the'gpisto'n', movement by .means of a compressible valve'member 256'which' h engagesa'yalve seat 251 in the end 250 of the casing surrounding the passage 253.

- The movement'of piston :49 is'utilized in this he first embodiment to provide ,a' delayed operation of the energization of the brake'spf the propelling vehicle. As here shown an air inlet chamber251 is provided on the casing 248 at the'exterior of end was 264 and this chamber is communicated to the interior" of the cylinder by means/of, a passage 256- which is I normally closed by valve 259 in the chamber and i'seated by alight spring 260 against the passage at the chamber side thereof; The valve 259 is provided with a stem 26I which extends axially into the interior of the cylinder and is supported actuator 2 I81; The end is preferably j p 'fovided by the operator, valves 23l thence into chamber stem is normally spaced from the piston 24!, but is engaged by the piston as the same moves under the influence of an applied vacuum to displace the valve and communicate chamber 251 with the interior of the cylinder. A conduit 264 is connected between chamber .251 and a flow retarding device 266 identical in construction with the device 81 of the first embodiment, and the latter is connected by conduit 261 to a pneunxatic diaphragm actuator 268. Theconstruc- .tion' or this' 'actuator is substantially, identical to actuator 2l8 and actuator 18 of the first embodimentand is provided with brake linkage of the the propelling vehicle. The interior valve 210 of the flow retarding device is Ereversed from its position shown in the first embodiment so as to ,retard the fluid'flow from the actuator-260 to the chamber 251 but to allow a pull rod 269 which afree and'unrestricted flow of fluid from the chamber 251to the actuator when the vacuum source is removed and atmosphericpressure substituted.

Inorder tourelease the-brake mechanism of the propelling vehicle,: the vacuum source is removed from communication with the actuator 5 268 an atmospheric pressure} applied in its stead so that air may pass into the actuator to release the brakes connected thereto.

is here embodied inmagnetic valve 232 which is connected. in the electric controlcircuit jointly with valve 231 and actuated, simultaneously therewith; Valve mechanism 232 comprises a "casing-2H having an interiorv valve chamber 212 Means for so. venting. the connected conduit to the atmosphere whichis connected by conduit 213 t' fitting 244 and thence to conduit -246 leading to the fluid controlyapparatus. "Chamber 212 is communicated to the atmospherefthrough an air filter 213 mounted adjacentqto the outensideof passage '214 and is normally spaced therefrom, but'is pulled into sealing engagement across the passage by means of a in-turn energizedby an electric coil 21B connected in the aforesaid electric-circuit. Normal- 7 the valve and plunger are held-in a position leaving passage 214 open and unrestricted by means of a-' spring 219 which resiliently, resists magnetic plunger211 which is movement of the plunger upon energization of v the coil 216 to close the passage 214.

4 i The operation of this vacuum system is as fol lows: Upon'relcase of grip of the steeringwheel and 232 are energized so asto open the.former and close the latter. Air

is then drawn from cylinder 241 by way of coni .7

'duits 246 and 243 into chamber 236 in valve 23l, 234 and then by conduits 238, and 204 to the vacuum reservoir. The reduced pressure that is established in.cylinder 241 actuates piston 249 whichin turn actuates valve 209 to applythe reduced pressure of the reservoir to the actuator 2H .for operation, of the trailer brakes. Amoment'later, valve stem 26l to open the valve and communicate the reduced pressure to actuator 266 foroperation of the brake mechanism of thepropelling vehicle. Upon re-gripping of the steering wheel, valve 23I moves to a closed position while valve (the piston 249 engages 232 opens, thereby closing off communication to the vacuum" 'source and communicating conduit 246 to the atmosphere. Air then flows into cham- I her 212 of valve 232 and through conduits 213 flows through chamber 251 and conduits 264 and 261 to relieve the reduced pressure in actuator 268. In this latter operatiomvalve' 259 is held in open position'against the resilience of spring 260 by the resistance, to movement of the piston.

' In order to adapt the control system of either of the embodiments above for operation without the trailing vehicle where thesame may be de.-

ta'ched, I prefer to include a manual shutofi valve MI in conduitGZ of the first embodiment,

1. A brake control system for a propelling vehicle and a trailing vehicle comprising, a steeringwheel, an electric switch contact member mounted for gripping with said wheel, brakes and operating means therefor on said propelling ve hicle, brakes for said trailing vehicle and operating means therefor separate from said first means, an electrically operated means for effecting operation of said second and first means in successive order named, and an electric circuit connecting said contact member and said third means for automatically operating same upon release of said wheel and contact member.

2. An automotive brake control system for ,a propelling vehicle and a trailing .vehicle compris ng, separate brake mechanisms-for said vehicles, and a single manually operative means for effecting actuation of both of said brake mechanisms and operable to automatically effect actuation of said brake mechanism for said trail-.

ing vehicle prior to the actuation of. said pro pelling vehicle brake mechanism. r

3. A brake control system for a propelling vehicle and a trailing vehicle comprising, a steering wheel for said propelling vehicle, an actuating member mounted for gripping with said wheel, pneumatic brakemechanism for said propelling vehicle, pneumatic brake mechanism for said trailing vehicle, a pneumatic reservoir, conduits connecting said reservoirand .each of said brake mechanisms, a valve associated with each of said brake mechanisms and operable toapply and release -the pneumatic fluid, a valve actuating means connected to said valve associated with said trailing vehicle brake mechanism, and means connected to said last named means and operative to effect the automatic opening of both of said valves upon release of the operators grip onv said steering wheel and member.

4. A brake control system for a propelling ve-. hicle and a trailing vehicle comprising, a steering Wheel for said propelling vehicle, an actuating member mounted for gripping with said wheel, pneumatic brake mechanism for said propelling vehicle, pneumatic brake mechanism forsaid trailing vehicle, a pneumatic reservoir, conduits connecting said reservoir and each of said brake mechanisms, valve means connected in said conduits and having an operable connection with said actuating member and adapted upon release of they operators grip on said steering wheel and member to automatically apply pneumatic fluid.

to said trailing brake mechanism and to said propelling vehicle brake mechanism.

v 9,188,900 and 2 into cylinder 241 from where the air 5. A brake control system as characterized in claim 4 wherein said valve means and operative connection therefor are adapted upon re-gripping or said steering wheel and member and manual actuation of said valve means to stop the fluid flow and release said brake mechanisms and 'being effective to release said propelling vehicle brake mechanism prior ,to' the release of said trailing vehicle brake mechanism.

,6. A brake control system for a propelling vehicle and a trailing vehicle comprising, a steering wheel for said propelling vehicle, an actuating member mounted for gripping with said wheel, pneumatic brake mechanism for said propelling vehicle, pneumatic brake mechanism for said trailing vehicle, a pneumatic reservoir, conduits connecting said reservoir and each of said brake mechanisms, a valve associated with each of said brake mechanisms and operable to apply and release the pneumatic fluid, and means con,- nected to said actuating member and said valves for causing the automatic opening of both of said valves upon release of the operators grip on said steering wheel and member, said last named means being operative to open the valve in the pneumatic circuit for said trailing vehicle brake mechanism prior to the opening of said valve associated with said propelling vehicle brake mechanism.

7. A brake control system as characterized in claim 6 wherein said last named means is operative upon re-gripping of the steering wheel and member and manual actuation of said valves to close said valves and release said brake mechanisms and being effective to close the valve in said propelling vehicle brake mechanism and release said mechanism prior to the closing of the valve in the trailing vehicle brake mechanism and release of same.

8. A brake control system for a propelling vehicle and'a trailing vehicle comprising, a steering wheel for said propelling vehicle, an actuating member mounted for gripping with said wheel, a brake mechanism for said propelling vehicle and actuating means therefor, a brake mechanism for said trailing vehicle and actuating means therefor, means connected to said actuating member and said last named means for trailing vehicle brake mechanism prior to the energization of the actuator for said propelling vehicle brake mechanism.

9. A brake control system for a propelling vehicle and a trailing vehicle, each provided with pneumatic brake mechanisms, a pneumatic reservoir, conduits'providing a pair of fluid circuits connectingsaid reservoir to said brake mechanisms, valves and manual operating means therefor for applying operating fluid to said respective brake mechanisms, a steering wheel for said propelling vehicle, an electric switch contact member mounted for gripping with said wheel, a pneumatic circuit for actuating said valves independent of the manual operating means therefor, a

magnetic valve connected in said last named circuit and electricallyconnected to said switch contact member to provide an automatic opening of said magnetic valve upon release of grip i of said wheel and switch contact member to actuate said valves and providing upon re-gripping of said wheel and contact member for a closing of said last named. fluid circuit and an exhausting of fluid pressure therein.

0 10. A brake control system 'for a propelling vehicle and a trailing vehicle, each provided with pneumatic brake mechanisms, a pneumatic reservoir, conduits providing a pair of fluid circuits connecting said reservoir to said brake mecha- 5 nisms, valves and manual/operating means thereforfor applying operating fluid to said respective brake mechanismsa steering wheel for said propelling vehicle, an electric switch contact member mounted for gripping with said wheel, pneu- I :0 matic actuators connected to said valves for operation thereof independent of said manual operating means, conduits connecting said reservoir to said actuators, a magneticvalve mounted in one of said conduits and electrically :5 connected to said switch contact member for automatically opening the fluid flow to said actuators upon release of grip of said steering wheel, said pneumatic actuator for said trailing vehicle brake valve comprising acylinder and m reciprocating piston therein connected to "said valve for direct operation thereof upon application of fluid to said actuator, said actuator for said propelling vehicle brake valve comprising a fluid chamber and diaphragm therein connected, 35 to said last named valve and a conduit connecting said chamber to a side of said cylinder for receipt of operating fluid in said conduit only after an initial movement of said piston and an initial actuation of said trailing vehicle brake valve whereby said trailing vehicle brake mechanism will be actuated prior to the actuation of said propelling vehicle brake mechanism.

11. A brake control system. as characterized in claim 10 and provided with means in said last named conduit for restricting the fluid flow therethrough to said actuator connected thereto and providing a relatively faster flow through said conduit in a reverse direction for releasing said actuator. v

12. A brake control system for a propelling vehicle and a trailing vehicle, a brake mechanism for said propelling vehicle, a brake mechanism for said trailing vehicle, a source of reduced air pressure, pneumatic actuators connected to said brake mechanisms, conduits connecting said source to said actuators, magnetic valve means connected to one of said conduits for communicating said actuators to said source and for closing ofi said communication and connecting said actuators to the atmosphere, a steering wheel for said propelling vehicle, an electric switch contact member mounted for gripping' with said wheel, and an electric circuit connecting said,

switch contact member with said magnetic valve for automatically operating said actuators upon release of grip of said steering wheel and member.

13. A brake control system as characterized in claim 12 provided with means for delaying the communication of the actuator for said propelling vehicle brake mechanism to said source until after communication of said actuator for said trailing vehicle brake mechanism to said source.

14. A brake control system as characterized in claim 12 provided with means for delaying the communication of the actuator for said propelling vehicle brake mechanism to said source until after communication of said actuator for said trailing vehicle" brake mechanism to said source; said means comprising a pneumatic cylinder, a piston reciprocally mounted therein and operatively connected to the actuator for said trailing vehicle brake mechanism, said cylinder being communicated to said magnetic valve for evacuation of the space therein for/ displacing said piston, a valve chamber communicated to the interior of said cylinder and connectedto said actuator for said propelling vehicle brake mechanism, a valve normally sealing said chamber fromsaidcylinder and extending into said cylinder for engagement and displacement and opening by said piston after movement of said piston to actuate said trailing brake mechanism whereby the actuation of said propelling vehicle brake mechanism will be, delayed until after the actuation. of, said trailing vehicle brake mechanism.

15. A brake control system as characterized in claim 12 provided with means for delaying the communication of the actuator for said propelling vehicle brake mechanism to said source until after communication of said actuator for said trailing vehicle brake mechanism to said source, said means comprising a pneumatic cylinder, a piston reciprocally mounted therein and operatively connected to the actuator for said trailing'vehicle brake mechanism, said cylinder being communicated to said magnetic valve for evacuation of the space therein'for displacing said piston, a valve chamber communicated to 'the interior of said cylinder and connected to said actuator for said propelling vehicle brake mechanism, a valve normally sealing said chamber from said cylinder and extending into said cylinder for engagement and displacement and opening by said piston after movement of said piston to actuate said trailing brake mechanism wherebytheactuation of said propelling vehicle brake mechanism will be delayed until after the actuation of, said trailing vehicle brake mechanism, and means connected between said valve chamber and saidiactuator'for said propelling vehicle for constructing the'fluid flow from said last named actuator to said chamber and providing a free fluid flowin reverse direction.

' RAYMOND E. COX. 

